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VIPS and COP

VIPS - Volunteers in Police Service

President George W. Bush created USA Freedom Corps (USAFC) to build on the countless acts of service, sacrifice, and generosity that followed September 11. When he announced USAFC in his 2002 State of the Union address, he called on all Americans to serve a cause greater than themselves. Citizen Corps was created to help coordinate volunteer activities to make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to any emergency situation. It provides opportunities for people to participate in a range of measures to make their families, their homes, and their communities safer from threats of crime, terrorism, and disasters of all kinds. Citizen Corps partner programs build on the successful efforts in place in many communities around the country to prevent crime and respond to emergencies.

Graduates of the Mansfield Citizen Police Academy have the opportunity to sign up with the Volunteers in Police Service Program (VIPS). The VIPS program allows volunteers to work closely with the Mansfield police and experience the inner workings of the department while serving the community.

CITIZENS ON PATROL (COP)

Citizen Patrol volunteers whom conduct regularly scheduled patrols within the city to watch out for suspicious activities and crimes in progress, aid stranded motorists and generally provide an increased level of comfort for those who see patrol on the streets.

COP Volunteers wear distinctive uniforms and drive designated patrol vehicles. COP volunteers conduct routine checks of businesses before, during and after hours to ensure all is well and report any activity that is suspicious in nature or to focus on areas where there has been an increase in crime, and participate in many special events within the community.